DC Announces 'After Watchmen - What's Next?' Program

By Newsarama Staff February 18, 2009 05:04am ET

Word Balloon: Dave Gibbons

Press Release

DC COMICS ANNOUNCES “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” PROGRAM

The excitement surrounding the upcoming WATCHMEN feature film has
brought new readers to the graphic novel format. Now that they’ve read
WATCHMEN, where do they go next? Help point them in the right direction
with DC Comics’ “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” program.

DC Comics has developed a marketing campaign that spotlights several
award-winning, best-selling titles from our various imprints. Each book
reflects an aspect of WATCHMEN’s broad appeal — including other works
by Alan Moore, science fiction tales, post-modern super hero action and
sophisticated titles for mature readers — and is a great entry point
for both new fans just discovering graphic novels and established
readers looking to try something new.

The program is supported by an extensive marketing campaign including
five promotionally-priced reprint Specials which are rush solicited
below.

The marketing campaign includes:

Five “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials featuring a cover price of just $1.00:

• SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION

• TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION

• PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION

• PREACHER #1 SPECIAL

• IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL

Please see below for more information on these Specials.

Print:

• 32-page booklet to be given away at conventions, comics shops and book stores

• Showcase titles on the homepages of DC, WildStorm and Vertigo
throughout February, March and April to capture new WATCHMEN readers

• Articles on DC, Vertigo and WildStorm homepages

Co-op:

• Co-op Movie Slide

• Co-op Ad Slick

**********

DC COMICS RUSH SOLICITS FIVE “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” SPECIALS

Tying into the new “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” program, DC rush solicits five key titles priced at just $1.00 each!

These titles will arrive in stores weekly beginning March 11, and
prominently feature the “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” branding and
trade dress. Each is offered to all Diamond retailers at a special “C”
discount code of 60% off.

Retailers may order these issues by contacting their Diamond Customer
Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@diamondcomics.com.

The “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials are:

SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098009)

Written by Alan Moore

Art by Stephen Bissette & John Totleben

Cover by Tom Yeates

On sale March 11; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: February 19

TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098010)

Written by Warren Ellis

Art by Darick Robertson & Jerome K. Moore

Cover by Geof Darrow

On sale March 18; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: February 26

PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098011)

Written by Warren Ellis

Art and cover by John Cassaday

On sale March 25; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US

Final Order Cutoff date: March 5

PREACHER #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098012)

Written by Garth Ennis

Art by Steve Dillon

Cover by Glenn Fabry

On sale April 1; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: March 12

IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098013)

Written by Brad Meltzer

Art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair

Cover by Michael Turner

On sale April 8; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US

Final Order Cutoff date: March 19

Newsarama Note: For another view of what retailers could steer readers to, check out Heroes Aren't Hard to Find's Dusty Harbin's suggestions here